All posts in category Travel

Cats and More Fun!!

Just got home from California again.  This time Hubby and I both went.  It was a quick trip, but we packed in quite a bit.

Friday night we went to Granddaughter, Summer’s first school play, Cats.

If I do say so myself, she was adorable.

How could anyone not love that adorable kitten??

 

Summer is a student at Encore High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

It is a great school that combines the regular academic curriculum with these types of arts.

Summer is in the 8th grade, so over then next four years we will probably be heading out to California for several plays and concerts. 

Our family took up most of the front row.

An added bonus for me was that I got to see my granddaughter, Melissa who is carrying my great-grandtwins.

Now that’s one pretty mama!!

We spent Saturday at daughter, Karla’s house and played games most of the day which was topped off by a fantastic BBQ.  Yummy yummy.

On Sunday we celebrated daughter-in-law, Shannon’s birthday.  Monday we drove home.

For those of you who might be wondering – Sugar Plum is doing so much better.   We took Sugar and Meeka with us because they love to visit all their fur-cousins.  Sugar played just like her old self.

So today is back to our regular routine which is always welcome – but not for long.  We are having company coming on Friday for the weekend.  We live in the midst of baseball spring training land.  Lots of games to go to next weekend.  Excited because I love baseball.  I want you to know that I really appreciate all of you who come to visit and leave comments.  Until next time….

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by Ellen Beeton on March 6, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Joy, Pets, Travel

Posted by Ellen Beeton on March 6, 2012

https://injoyinmylife.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/cats-and-more-fun/

Doing a little this, a little that.

I feel like I haven’t blogged in so very long, yet it’s only been about 10 days.  Time does fly when you are busy busy!

I made a quick trip to California to visit some of my grandchildren.  I actually went to southern California and picked up our daughter Karla and granddaughter Katrina.

Here is a cute picture of Katrina showing us her new engagement ring!

We drove up to northern California to visit daughter Jan and granddaughters Jessica, Elena and Ghianna.

Here is a cute picture of Elena, Jessica and Ghianna.

 We talked until our voices were hoarse.  So much fun.  It was just a short “girl” trip that was not long enough.

The day after I came home  I had to take Sugar Plum to have her dental work done.  She has not been feeling well.  Notwithstanding the Valley Fever, she has been nauseated and just lethargic and not wanting to play.  I just blogged about it recently.  When Sugar Plum doesn’t want to play tug o’ war, I know something is wrong.

 

 I had been told on her last check up last summer that we should be thinking about some dental work and certainly a teeth cleaning.  I was putting it off because it’s so expensive.  That is a no no!  I found that out the hard way.   What originally was going to take a little over an hour ended up taking about four hours.  Also, what was supposed to cost $375 came to just a hair under $900!  She had to have six teeth pulled, two of which had broken off and the gums had healed over.  The roots had to be extracted and they were so tiny and very brittle.  They kept breaking and were very hard to get out.  She had already lost eight other teeth, so with the six that were pulled I was afraid that she would not be able to eat again!  Who knew that dogs have 40 teeth!  Well, she had a rough time, but I’m happy to say that she is feeling much better today.

So now on to this week.  Believe it or not, we are heading off for another quick trip to California on Friday.  Our granddaughter, Summer is in her school play, Cats.  We can’t miss that.  So I’ll be sure to let you know how that goes.  We will only be gone a few days.

I have another sewing lesson tomorrow.  I will be posting pictures of my project once I get it fixed.  If you remember, I’m making a Christmas wall hanging.  I sewed all my squares and triangles together and we should be putting it together and quilting it tomorrow.  BUT, I somehow sewed in three  triangles backwards or upside down or sideways or something, because they are wrong.  I’m pretty sure I’ll be spending most of my lessons fixing my mistakes.  Oh well, I bet I won’t make that mistake again.

I hope you all have a very blessed week.

19 Comments
by Ellen Beeton on February 28, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Crafts, Family, Joy, Pets, Travel, Uncategorized

Posted by Ellen Beeton on February 28, 2012

https://injoyinmylife.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/doing-a-little-this-a-little-that/

Home Safe and Almost Sound


Finally home and back to normal – at least what I call normal.

First of all, we had a great time in California visiting family and relatives, notwithstanding the miserable head cold and sinus infection I was battling, and still am a little.  We stayed so busy that I just didn’t find the time to blog and to keep up with all the blogs I follow.  I didn’t know how much I would miss keeping up with my “friends.”

All in all, during our time in California we went to three Christmas parties, a play on New Year’s eve (It’s a Wonderful Life), several dinners out with friends and family, at least three “game” nights, a few lunches, mini trips, oh my I could go on and on but you get the picture.  Even little Sugar and Meeka were kept quite busy while staying with our granddogs, Luke, Goldie and Biscuit affectionately known as “Bizzy” because she is always in to something.  In fact, this will show you what I mean.

Here she is “bizzy” with a green pen. Look at her little paws all green.

Here she is after playing in the backyard.

Anyway, I believe out trip to California was a success.

I was so sick when we got home, it took me days to take down “Christmas” which I didn’t bother to do before we left.  

Enough of that.  Today is a new day and I’m feeling much better.  The new year has begun and as before – I know this year will be even better than the last, which I think might be hard to beat.  I always think that, and then I’m always surprised at how great life is.  I know it’s a matter of my attitude though.  I am in charge of making my life just as great as I want it to be.  

Don’t get me wrong, crappy stuff still happens, I still get in bad moods or angry at Hubby.  I just don’t stay there as long as I used to.  I don’t dwell on the crappy stuff.  At my age, I have certainly learned that it comes and goes and I don’t have any control over that.  What I do have control over is how I react to it or how I handle it.   I also choose to look at life through the eyes of my heart.  It makes for a beautiful world.  I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I an always making goals to feel better about myself.  Right now I’m working on accepting others and not judging.  To be honest, I’ve been working on it for awhile.  I thought I had the “non-judgment” thing down pat.  Wrong wrong wrong.  I’ve been judging all of those I see “judging.”  I have found myself getting angry and upset that everyone isn’t as non-judgmental as I am!!!  What a laugh, right?  Who do I think I am???  Talk about getting hit upside the head with a giant board!  Sometimes I crack myself up.  Oh well, it’s the journey, right?

I also have some other things lined up that I’m excited about.  I have another sewing lesson scheduled and I’m going to make a quilted wall hanging.  I’d really like to make one for each season and just use one or the other all year long.  I’m going to try to get better at cake decorating.  I don’t see that happening without going to more classes, but I haven’t set them up yet.  I’m also going to check back with the local elementary school and see if they are still considering me as a volunteer.  I think that would be so much fun.  Most importantly, I’m open to whatever might come my way.  I’m sure there is something I haven’t thought of doing.  Ah, the adventure of it all.  

I think I’ll just quit here and go have some fun catching up on all my blog buddies.  

I hope you all have a very happy, prosperous and blessed New Year. 

7 Comments
by Ellen Beeton on January 10, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Crafts, Family, Gratitude, Inspiration, Life Changes, Pets, Travel, Uncategorized

Posted by Ellen Beeton on January 10, 2012

https://injoyinmylife.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/home-safe-and-almost-sound/

My Lovely Picture

I love this picture I took while on one of our many trips in our RV.  I can’t remember exactly where it was, but I know it was in Vermont.  It’s so tranquil.  I’m always calmed by this picture.  I just imagine myself there, peaceful and serene.

Life is Good and I’m always in-joy-in mine.

5 Comments
by Ellen Beeton on November 10, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Gratitude, Joy, Travel

Posted by Ellen Beeton on November 10, 2011

https://injoyinmylife.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/my-lovely-picture/

Day Tripping

I’ve said it before, as much as I loving living here in sunny Arizona, I still miss Autumn in the Ozarks. I miss the trees, the changing colors, and all that goes with it. So – Hubby, Sugar Plum, Meeka and I took a day trip to Flagstaff and then the scenic ride down through Sedona, Jerome and Prescott.
First of all, the weather was fabulous, about 25 degrees lower than here in the Phoenix area. We were about three weeks late for the true Fall colors, but it was gorgeous nonetheless.


Sugar Plum wasn’t the least bit interested in the ride, she would rather sleep.


Meeka was more interested, but she’s just too little to see out the window!


Look ahead! The mountains are in view. We are on our way!


Ah, the beauty of it all.

Look at this lovely road. I haven’t seen anything like this is quite some time.

Wow!

Coming toward Sedona and the red rock.

We had a great day except for the car sickness I got from the windy roads. That’s why there are no more pictures! Sedona, Jerome and Precott were fantastic. Fortunately I have other photos of Sedona from past visits.

We arrived home safe and sound. The little ones in-joyed their day trip. A good time was had by all.

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by Ellen Beeton on November 3, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Joy, Travel

Posted by Ellen Beeton on November 3, 2011

https://injoyinmylife.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/day-tripping/

Catching Up

I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve blogged! It’s autumn now, the summer just seemed to fly by.

Let’s play catch up –

1. House is still for sale, only one looker so far. It’s so beautiful here, I’m having a hard time believing that someone hasn’t just snatched up this place.
2. Still walking. In fact, I joined the Y and have been loving the water aerobics and the stationary bike. I’ve been walking outdoors with my pups everyday, but I think when it gets too cold here, I will start using the treadmill at the Y. One good thing that has happened since I last blogged is that I’ve lost 20 of the 40 pounds I had gained. Yippee for me!
3. Hubby had his lap-band surgery and has lost over 50 pounds so far. Yippee for him!
4. Just got back from another vacation to California a couple of days ago. This was a much shorter trip than the last one. We went for a family wedding, which was awesome.

Making a commitment to myself to start blogging at least once a week. This is an exciting time of the year. Holiday recipes, crafts, spending time with family and friends, staying all warm and cozy, ah… I just love it. This will be a fun time to share ideas and thoughts with everyone.

I receive the most informative newsletter. It is from Better Homes and Gardens. It is called 100 Days of Holidays. This will be my third year. It starts sometime in September (but you can start whenever you want) and it goes to New Year’s Day I believe. Each day it arrives in my e-mail. There are recipes, crafts, gift ideas, decoration ideas, and the like. I recommend it to anyone who likes these kinds of things. You can find it here.

In-joy your bliss!

2 Comments
by Ellen Beeton on October 12, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in Diet and Health, Family, Holidays, Life Changes, Travel

Posted by Ellen Beeton on October 12, 2010

https://injoyinmylife.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/catching-up/

On to a New Adventure

Home! A total of 59 days away. Vacation was great. Seeing friends, family and new additions to our family was most marvelous. In fact, I just wrote a long blog about it all and then realized that nobody else was the least bit interested in it. So I dumped it and it’s ON TO A NEW ADVENTURE!

We have decided to make a huge change in our lives. We are selling our house and making a move across the country again! Gosh I love change. I thrive on it. I get giddy to try new things, meet new people, and see new places. I’m in love with the Ozarks, but only from May to November. Spring, summer and fall are simply gorgeous here, the green is unlike any I have ever seen, yet winter lasts from November to May.

Since we spent five years traveling these beautiful United States from one end to the other, (actually all of them except North Dakota) we have a pretty good idea of where we might want to live. Taking into consideration that we do not want snow, cold, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or typhoons, that left us smack in the middle of Arizona. Yes, it is HOT there, very hot. I’m well aware of that.

Since we made this decision, I’ve been on a roller coaster of emotions, excitement, fear, worry, and happiness. I began to wonder who would buy our house at a time like this. I thought of all the reasons why it wouldn’t work. Would we get enough money out of it, who will help us move? Somewhere along the line I had left my centeredness by the wayside. I’m wondering why after all this time, I resort to these foolish worries of things that haven’t even happened and may not. Anybody else like me? The good thing is that I was able to STOP it, center myself and remember that everything always happens as it should, even if it is not the first of my choices. I can make plans and put one foot in front of the other, but I dare not be attached to the outcome, for that has cost me dearly in the past. When I live in the NOW, let go and allow God to guide my life, wondrous outcomes happen for me. Yes, mine is to make the plans, do my work and know that what’s best for me will be realized. Now all I need to do is remember that on a daily basis.

Other good things are happening right now and in the near future too. Hubby is having lap-band surgery next Wednesday. We are both just thrilled for him that he has this opportunity. Also, in June I’ll be making a week long trip to Kansas City to help judge at the National Speech and Debate Tournament. I have been blessed to go several times to the various cities that have held this tournament.

I’ll be blogging more regular since vacation is over. Love to hear from you.

4 Comments
by Ellen Beeton on May 20, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in Life Changes, Travel

Posted by Ellen Beeton on May 20, 2010

https://injoyinmylife.wordpress.com/2010/05/20/on-to-a-new-adventure/

Going with the Flow of a Beautiful Life

I often talk about “going with the flow.” I’m a big proponent of going with the flow. I think I do it so well. I even get a little annoyed at those that just can’t go with the flow. Well, lately I notice it’s not so easy.

We are still vacationing and visiting family in California. That part is great. I KNOW I have the best family anyone could have. We are busy, planning each day, going here and there, making sure we fit everything we want to do into these weeks. Busy, busy, busy little bees we are. First of all, understand that I wouldn’t change any part of this visit at all. I would be miserably unhappy if I missed seeing someone I wanted to see or going somewhere I wanted to go.

However, I am reminded of the main reason we moved to a quieter, serene and tranquil life. I just don’t like to HAVE to be somewhere all the time. I value my alone time. I like spending time with me. It’s easy to go with the flow when not much is flowing!

I have built a little cocoon life for myself (hubby included). We go to church two times a week. We live in a positive atmosphere. We have our friends that we visit with. We have our little routine that we live. AND all of this has made for a nice little stress-free life. It was by design. I was through letting stress get the better of me.

Isn’t it interesting that every time we would visit in California, my body would react with pain. I thought that maybe it was the weather??? Silly me! It didn’t occur to me that I was just getting caught up in all the ado. I haven’t been taking time to say my positive affirmations as often. I feel that I am being encroached upon. Bottom line is that I haven’t been going with the flow. I’ve been complaining! I hear negative talk and I have been buying into it! I’ve become grumpy! I’m not being patient or considerate! Ouch, this really hurts.

It would be so easy to blame this on being out of my regular realm. I could say that it will all get better when I get home. The truth is – that is baloney! I take me wherever I go. I am me wherever I go.

So, what to do? Well, first off, I will not beat myself up. The fact that I’ve recognized this whole thing is a huge revelation for me. GET CENTERED! I know that when I’m aligned with God and in tune to who I really am, I see Life in a beautifully clear way. Take deep breaths, know how deeply and completely loved I am, smile, feel the peace that is within me, look at the world through the eyes of my heart, not my head, know that each of us is doing the best we can at any given moment, and stay in the now and out of the how. This is what I’ve been missing. This is where I belong, this is what brings me peace and joy. This is what it takes to “wake” me up and in-joy life. This is what it takes to be able to go with the flow in a peaceful, light-hearted way. This is where and how I love living my life. Remembering that God is in the midst of EVERYTHING, ALL THE TIME. Knowing that that is a good thing.

It doesn’t matter where I am or what I’m doing. This is the truth of who I am, who we all are. Busy lives aside, we are all spiritual beings, not human doings even if we get caught up in the everydayness of life. The Universe is here FOR us, not against us. That’s why feeling positive feels good and feeling negative doesn’t feel so good. Negativity goes against our nature.

I’m reminded that happiness is a state of mind that we choose, over and over again. We don’t choose it once. It is a daily decision. IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND US! That’s the thing, it just doesn’t matter. It’s what is going on inside of us, not outside. So simple to remember, yet sometimes not easy.

I am affirming today that I am at peace, I live in joy, I see the positive aspects of everything that comes my way.

Some people would say that I live in sort of a “pollyanna” world. I say that I live in the “best” world. This is the Life that works for me. This is where I thrive. This is the “real” me. In this I find it much easier to go with the flow of life. In this I find gratitude.

12 Comments
by Ellen Beeton on April 17, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Joy, Travel

Posted by Ellen Beeton on April 17, 2010

https://injoyinmylife.wordpress.com/2010/04/17/going-with-the-flow-of-a-beautiful-life/

Life Goes On

It was a bittersweet day, yesterday.  Saying goodbye to Kevin was difficult, but the service was absolutely beautiful.  My heart ached for his little girl when she went up to give her daddy a bouquet of flowers.  Some of us spoke, but my brother in particular was incredible as he talked of Kevin’s life and the wonderful son he was.

After the service we went to my niece’s house for a reception.  We have a huge family.  There were the five of us siblings, our 13 children and their spouses, dozens of their children and some of their spouses and even some of their children.  Between family and many, many friends, there was quite a group.  We had lots and lots of tasty food, but if you knew our family, you would expect that. Some families have a bunch of drinkers, we have a bunch of eaters!

Well, life goes on and that is what Kevin would want for us.

We are staying in California until some time in mid May.  I usually don’t like to be away from home for more than 3 weeks at a time, but we have managed to load up our schedule for the entire time.

We hope to catch a few plays while we are here and maybe a concert, who knows. We are going to travel up to northern California at some point because our 10th grandchild is due in April.  We are going to Las Vegas for the Mother’s Day weekend which is a gift my son is giving us.  We are going to take a train ride in to downtown Los Angeles to eat taquitos at Olvera Street.  I’m going with the girls to Temecula for some wine tasting.  I’m anxious to see how that turns out!  I have the pleasure of lots of time with my 9 month old great-grandson. AND lots of family get-togethers.

The weather is superb! Lots of sun and more sun.  It couldn’t be any better.  It’s been a long cold winter in Missouri.

I am ever so grateful for life today.  My job here is to in-joy my bliss.  It’s a pretty easy job.  I remember who and whose I am.  I stay consciously connected to my Source.  I practice love, patience (which is my hardest), kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. This is what works for me.

Have a most marvelous day and In-joy your bliss too.

2 Comments
by Ellen Beeton on March 25, 2010  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Joy, Travel

Posted by Ellen Beeton on March 25, 2010

https://injoyinmylife.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/life-goes-on/